“Mr Troy Green
General Manager
Tweed Shire Council
PO Box 816 Murwillumbah NSW 2484
Dear Mr Green
REF: Council’s Plan for area including 39 West End Street Murwillumbah
I am writing to enquire into Council’s plans following the purchase of the property at 39 West End St and completion of the pumping station adjacent to the Murwillumbah Sewage Treatment Works (STW).
Birdlife Northern Rivers (BLNR) is a community group comprising local people concerned with the protection of native birds and their habitats. As a local branch of Birdlife Australia, the nation’s leading conservation organisation for birds, we are part of an Australia-wide network of members, volunteers and supporters working towards a sustainable future for our native birds.
I present to Council the following considerations concerning the lands at the end of West End Street, surrounding the Murwillumbah STW, the Brothers Leage Club through to Rous River Way Park (see attached Google Map).
- Wildlife Corridor. For over 15 years local bird watchers have enjoyed and recorded the birds using this area. Many log their observations into Australian (Birdata) and international (eBird) databases. The location name of this area in eBird is Rous River Walk and Murwillumbah STW. Local birders have recorded sighting 126 different species of birds here. We would like to see protection of existing habitat and additional native plantings in support of bird habitat. Council’s newly adopted Tweed Conservation Strategy 2025-2035 supports and describes the importance of our request.
- Footpath and/ or Cycleway. Many residents use this area as informal passage into the Murwillumbah CBD. Residents have participated in the senior policy to emphasize the lack of nature-based trails through Murwillumbah and the importance of access to nature and off-street pathway linkages. Others note the chance to apply policy principles of the Tweed Pedestrian and Bike Plan or access in Tweed Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2026
- Nature and Open Spaces. There is scientific evidence that nature is an essential element of our wellbeing with a myriad of benefits that enhance our physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, cognitive functions, and social connections. This area should be considered quality open space with stunning views of the Tweed Caldera and potential for regenerated riparian habitats filled with wildlife. Any planned works should be consistent with contextual and specific content of the Open Space Strategy 2019– 2029, including the communities stated interest in walking, cycling, opportunities to relax and connect with nature. Add to this the newly adopted Tweed Conservation Strategy 2025-2035 as per the action plan for objective 3 (p27), the opportunity to have more chances to spend time in nature was the key community recommendation.
- Local Landcare Group. This area offers a great opportunity to maintain the native riparian plantings along Rous River Way and to expand and restore native habitats through to Murwillumbah Street. Residents have indicated interest in working with Council and Tweed Landcare Inc. to form a local Landcare group.
- Importance of riparian habitats. We recognize and ask Council to maximize environmental considerations and enhancements for this area given its proximity to the Rous River and the need for improved river health. Any works here would complement restoration along the Rous River at Rous River Way and at 63 Numinbah Rd site of Council’s project, Bringing Back Flying Fox Habitat to the Kynnumboon Floodplain.
In closing I am seeking a reply to include Council’s timeline for plan development or planning process intended for lands under its jurisdiction in this area. Birdlife Northern Rivers would like to be considered a stakeholder for any planning process.
On behalf of Birdlife Northern Rivers, I respectfully look forward to your timely response. We offer in-kind support for any bird monitoring and restoration processes aimed at improving bird habitat and access to nature for the residents of Murwillumbah.
Yours faithfully,
Convenor, Birdlife Northern Rivers
c.c. Mayor C. Cherry, Cr N. Firth, Tweed Landcare Inc.”
